By Mercy Matonga:
President Lazarus Chakwera, who is also leader of governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP), has pledged continued support for women and youth in Malawi if re-elected.
Chakwera made the remarks at Kamuzu Palace Monday, where he separately hosted representatives of the Women’s Manifesto Movement and the Youth Manifesto, and signed a commitment card.
During his meeting with the Women’s Manifesto Movement, Chakwera expressed satisfaction that the majority of their demands are already reflected in his party’s manifesto launched on Saturday.
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He urged women to support one another so that, as the government works to uplift women, no one is left behind.
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“The country cannot thrive without women’s participation. Appointing women across all sectors, including women with disabilities, will improve lives and strengthen the nation,” Chakwera said.
The President then expressed concern over marital violence, saying that many victims suffer in silence.
During both engagements, Chakwera reaffirmed his idea, which has sparked debate over its practicality, of opening a bank account for every child born in Malawi, with a K500,000 investment accessible at the age of 18.
“I know some people are sceptical about the idea of planting a K500,000 seed for each child, but this is a brilliant concept that can help us build a wealthy nation,” he said.
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Maggie Kathewera Banda, Executive Director of the Women’s Legal Resources Centre and Chairperson of the Gender Coordination Network in Blantyre, said the Women’s Manifesto calls on the next president to retain the Ministry of Gender and increase its funding.
“We are asking the President to ensure that adequate resources are available, particularly for the Women’s Strategy, which is hosted by the Ministry of Gender.
“We also asked him to prioritise women in agriculture. About 70 percent of the labour in this sector comes from women, yet the returns rarely benefit them directly,” Kathewera Banda said.
At a similar event with youth representatives, Chakwera said that, given Malawi’s youthful population, young people must play an active role in economic development.
“We cannot afford to sideline the youth. That is why our MCP manifesto states that five positions in the Cabinet must be held by young people,” Chakwera said.
Executive Director of Youth and Society, Charles Kajoloweka, said there is a need for sustained support and engagement with young leaders, especially those involved in civic governance.
“We are concerned about the lack of support for young actors, especially in civic engagement. Most development partners disappear after elections, and there is little meaningful engagement between election cycles. This weakens post-election civic participation,” Kajoloweka said.
The meetings with Chakwera are part of a series of engagements the Women’s Manifesto and Youth Manifesto movements are holding with presidential aspirants ahead of the September 16 elections.
